Research Interests

I am currently working as a postdoc in a series of projects that, in combination, provide a benchmark for information on the behavioural physiology of two closely related hominoids: bonobo and chimpanzee. My work includes analyses of cortisol and alpha amylase to evaluate social and nutritional stress in captive and wild animals with ELISA assays. To determine developmental changes, I explore the dynamics of different steroids e.g. DHEA-S, and thyroid hormones in urine in relation to age, sex, and species. Part of my research focuses on C-Peptide measurement in the urine of bonobos, chimpanzees and orangutans. C-Peptide can be used as a biomarker for variations in body mass and nutritional status. This small polypeptide is produced during insulin synthesis and reflects changes in energetic condition in apes. .